Cameron Smith still shouldering the load

RUGBY LEAGUE: Cameron Smith shrugs his shoulders that are no bigger than those of the average man in the street.

We're sitting inside the Melbourne Storm sheds and I'm searching for the secret to his incredible longevity in rugby league.

He's 34 years of age and played 355 club games, 42 Origins, 50 Tests and four All Stars matches across 15 seasons with the Melbourne Storm.

Smith is a champion who started in 2002 and has gone to war at just 89kg, regularly throwing his body in front of monsters such as Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, Junior Paulo, Josh Papalii, Sam Burgess and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

"I've seen guys where you can tell their head is not in the game any more and they're just turning up to get their pay at the end of the month. That won't be me."

Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Smith is solely focused on finals football.

Another premiership means more than personal milestones.

It's almost a waste of time asking him about life after football, although you can just about guarantee that for his all his footy knowledge and expertise, he doesn't fancy becoming the next Craig Bellamy.

"Maybe specialist coaching but nothing like a head coach," he says. "The time Craig and all his assistants put in is amazing.

"Maybe I'll do some media. I've had a few years at Fox Sports and I enjoy talking about the game.

"Whether it's commentary or doing the show you're on, NRL 360.

"I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the fans and the public, especially while I'm still playing and can give them a bit of an insight into the state of the game or what happened during a match."

When it's all over Smith will definitely stay in Melbourne. He and the family are much happier than back in 2014 when he was on the verge of heading home to Brisbane and signing with the Broncos.

"I can't see myself ever leaving here now," he says.

"My little fella plays AFL. The family is pretty settled. I love supporting Hawthorn. And Melbourne Storm is part of our family.

"In my gut I always knew I wanted to stay and be a one-club player more than anything else."